Risk and Safety Updates

Global Risk & Safety will send a message to the IOC mailing list any time a Safety Update is posted, as well as when there are updates to the Restricted Regions list. This mailing list is a resource for university travelers and travel planners for faculty, staff, and students.

February 5

Carnival is a festive season that occurs in various countries and regions across the world before the season of Lent. It traditionally takes place during February or early March and involves public events and celebrations such as parades, street parties, and other forms of entertainment.

January 17

Terrorist attacks, political violence (such as demonstrations), criminal activities, and other security incidents can take place abroad at any time without warning. The U.S. Department of State strongly encourages travelers to always maintain a high level of vigilance and have good situational awareness whenever traveling abroad. Always consult the U.S.

December 5

As the holiday season approaches, security measures in many countries throughout the world, particularly in Europe, have heightened due to potential threats from multinational terrorist organizations and individuals. These terrorist threats often focus on common tourist locations such as Christmas holiday markets, shopping malls, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, transportation centers, and other places frequented by Westerners.

September 21

From September 22 to October 7, 2018, the 185th annual Oktoberfest will take place in Bavaria, Germany. It is predicted that 7.2 million people will visit the world’s largest folk festival this year, with September 29 and October 6 projected to be the busiest days. Though there are not yet any specific, credible threats, security at the festival has increased in recent years due to non-specific terrorism-related concerns to keep attendees as safe as possible.

September 14

Super Typhoon Mangkhut is currently forecasted to impact Hong Kong on Sunday, September 16. Projections show the storm passing within 62 miles of the city. Mangkhut has winds of 160 mph, and brings with it the potential for widespread flooding and landslides.

June 13

The FIFA World Cup is an international association football competition contested by the senior men's national teams of the members of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the sport's global governing body. The championship has been awarded every four years since the inaugural tournament in 1930, with the exceptions of 1942 and 1946. The current champion is Germany, which won its fourth title at the 2014 tournament in Brazil. (Wikipedia)

May 11

On May 14, 2018, the U.S. Embassy will open in Jerusalem following the December 2017 announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump, recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Many countries are preparing for protests related to the embassy opening. Related protests were held across Europe in December after the decision to move the embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem was announced. Patterns indicate that likely areas for unrest include U.S. and Israeli diplomatic missions and main squares.